Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

This villa offers a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. The laundry room is equipped with an extra American style fridge, freezer, washing machine, and sinks. Additionally, there is a shower and washroom on the ground floor. The first floor features four double bedrooms, two of which have large carved Catalonian double beds. One bedroom has a French double bed. The children's room includes four bunk beds and a single bed with a visitors bed beneath, providing extra versatility. A cot and high chair are also available. There is a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet on this floor. The first floor opens onto a spacious balustraded solarium/terrace with stunning views of Mount Canigou, the pool, and the gardens below. Outside, there is a summer BBQ and kitchen area, as well as additional terracing and a summer house adjacent to the pool. The entire property offers complete privacy and tranquility. Whether you prefer to rent the whole villa or enjoy a bed and breakfast experience, both options are available. On-site staff service is also provided if required.

Ceret is a picturesque town with a mild climate. From June to September, the weather is hot and dry, while from October to May, it is mild and pleasant. You can even enjoy sitting on the terrace in the warm winter sunshine. The region boasts an impressive annual sunshine record of 300 to 320 days. Ceret is renowned as a center for modern art, having been home to famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine in the early 20th century. The town's museum of modern art houses a splendid collection of their works, and an annual prestigious art exhibition is held. Ceret also hosts a popular Saturday market and various special events throughout the year, including the holy week parade, the spring cherry festival, and the three-day Feria in July, which attracts enthusiasts from Catalonia and France. These festivities feature food, drink, music, and dancing in the streets throughout the night. Other notable events include the annual Sardane dance festival in the arena and Mediterranean Music Nights in early Autumn. Ceret is famous for its mimosa and cherries, which are traditionally sent to the President of the Republic.

In addition to the attractions in Ceret, the surrounding region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore the rural pistes through vineyards and venture into the hills on foot. A winding footpath leads to the Ermitage de St. Ferreol, where you can enjoy an extensive view of the Mediterranean coastline. For more experienced hikers, there are excellent walks in the nearby foothills of the Pyrenees, with clearly marked paths. Mountain bikes are available for hire, and you can even drive close to the summit of Mount Canigou and hike to the peak. The area also offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, pot holing, climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golf, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

For those interested in culture, there are several attractions nearby. In Spain, you can visit the Dali museums at Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol, which are known for their memorable and thought-provoking exhibits. The medieval city of Girona is a revelation, while trendy Barcelona with its Gaudi architecture and lively Rambla is an exciting destination. The northern Costa Brava offers a surprisingly pleasant scenic drive, contrary to the expectations of some who imagine it to be filled with rowdy tourists and high-rise buildings. The Mediterranean resorts of Collioure (known for its art), Port Vendre (fishing), St Cyprien (golf), Argeles-sur-Mer (windsurfing), and Canet Plage (a new development from the 1960s) are all worth exploring. In addition, the ancient cities of Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier are easily accessible by car. If you have time, you can even take a day trip to Andorra.

The region is steeped in history, starting from prehistoric times with remains dating back 450,000 years, which can be seen at the Tautavel museum near Rivesaltes. The area also witnessed the Spanish Civil War and served as an escape route for the Allies during World War II. The Phoenicians and Greeks established colonies here in the 4th century BC, and Hannibal famously crossed the Pyrenees at Le Perthus in 218 BC. Roman ruins from the road built around 10 AD, connecting Rome to Cadiz, can still be seen in the area. Visigoths, Moors, and Catalan and Spanish Kings have all left their mark at different times. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of church architecture. The Cathars, a heretical group, put up resistance against Simon de Montfort, the Royal and Papal armies for many years before being defeated and burned in their Pyrenean strongholds, which can still be visited today. The region also has ties to the Templars, and the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château remains a mystery that historians have yet to solve. In 1659, Louis XIV completed the conquest of the area, and his brilliant engineer architect Vauban constructed fortifications along the new borders, many of which are open to the public.

When it comes to food and drink, the area offers a wide range of options. You can find large supermarkets, small shops, farms, and markets with excellent bread, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and organic produce. There is a variety of restaurants in Ceret and the surrounding area, serving Catalonian, French, and Spanish cuisine. From humble family-owned establishments to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something for every taste. Roussillon wines are abundant, and a good Rivesaltes, Banyuls, or Muscat can make a delightful aperitif. If you prefer sparkling wines, Spanish Cava or the local Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux are excellent choices. Just across the border in Spain, you can explore a wide range of wines at affordable prices.